Scottish National Gallery

The National Galleries of Scotland looks after one of the world's finest collections of Western art ranging from the Middle Ages to the present day. These holdings include the National Collection of Scottish art which we are proud to display in an international context.

We care for, research and develop these collections and we aim to share these works of art with as wide a public as possible. Every year we welcome over a million visitors from Scotland and the rest of the world to our various Galleries sited in Edinburgh.

We have active programmes of education, outreach and special exhibitions and where possible we work with partners across Scotland to maximise the impact of our activities.

Venue Type:

Gallery

Opening hours

Open daily, 10am-5pm. Thursdays until 7pm.

Admission charges

Free, charges may apply for some exhibitions.

Discounts

National Art Pass

International Council of Museums

Museums Association

Collection details

Decorative and Applied Art, Fine Art

Resources listed here may include websites, bookable tours and workshops, books, loan boxes and more. You may need to scroll down or click on headers to see them all.

Face to face resources

Bags of Art and Cart

Bags of Art and Art Cart enables young visitors and their families to explore the diverse range of art on show. It is loaded with an exciting variety of art materials and specially-designed creative activities. Trained educators are also on hand to help young visitors with enquiries.

How to obtain

Drop in to the National Gallery's self-led art activities to explore the Art Cart. Contact education@nationalgalleries.org or 0131 6246410 for more details.

Face to face resources

Saturday Art Club

Saturday Art Club consists of four-week courses, each led by a different artist, and linked to a particular exhibition, theme, display or artwork. Sessions are led by practising artists, providing continuity between courses for the participants. Saturday Art Club currently runs from September to April each year. There are two classes: 10.00-12.00 for 5-7 year olds and 13.30-15.30 for 8-11 year olds. A maximum of fifteen participants in each group is maintained to ensure a high-quality experience.

How to obtain

To book contact the gallery on education@nationalgalleries.org or 0131 6246410. Also note that the host gallery of Saturday Art Club does move between the various National Galleries of Scotland venues.

Face to face resources

Saturday Studio

Saturday Studio is devised with and for young people aged 11-15 years. The courses take place in four-week blocks on Saturday afternoons from 13.30-16.30. Saturday Studio currently runs from September to April each year. There is a maximum of fifteen participants to ensure a quality experience. Saturday Studio began in September 2004, developing out of Saturday Art Club. As a particular group of young people reached the 11 year old cut-off, they wanted to continue attending courses at the Galleries. They themselves were involved in planning the format, timing and content of Saturday Studio. Such consultation with participants continues by meetings and letters.

How to obtain

Booking ahead is essential and can be done by contacting education@nationalgalleries.org or calling 0131 6246410. Also note that Saturday Studio does move between the various National Galleries of Scotland venues, depending on the course so do check in advance.

Website

E-mail

Telephone

0131 624 6200

Fax

0131 343 3250

All information is drawn from or provided by the venues themselves and every effort is made to ensure it is correct. Please remember to double check opening hours with the venue concerned before making a special visit.